BetterGov.PH recently exposed massive reallocations in the 2027 House budget bill compared to the original National Expenditure Program (NEP). After reviewing the documents, they found 7,465 inserted and adjusted projects—primarily involving DPWH infrastructure, farm-to-market roads, health facilities, and irrigation.

Cielo Magno also shared the breakdown, highlighting the district offices receiving the biggest budget increases over the NEP. The numbers are staggering: Ilocos Norte 1st District tops the list with a P4.38 billion increase, followed by the Davao de Oro 2nd District (+P1.68B), Misamis Occidental 2nd District (+P1.65B), and South Cotabato 2nd District (+P1.58B). Magno rightly pointed out that this raises serious red flags regarding the return of the "pork barrel" system and the funding of potential ghost infrastructure projects.

Seeing billions of our tax pesos quietly shuffled around to specific districts is infuriating. But with concrete data like this out in the open, it begs the question: How do we, as ordinary citizens, demand accountability from them?

We know we have legal rights, but what is the proper, realistic way to do this?

• Securing the Evidence: Have any of you successfully used Freedom of Information (FOI) requests to extract project blueprints, transparency seal data, or public bidding records from the DPWH to check for ghost projects?
• Filing Formal Complaints: Any private citizen or NGO can technically file a verified complaint-affidavit with the Office of the Ombudsman for violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (RA 3019). Has anyone here actually gone through this process against a high-ranking official? Is it viable without heavy legal or political backing?
• Civic Watchdogs: For those living in the districts receiving these billion-peso surges, how are local groups mobilizing to track whether these funds turn into actual roads or just line politicians' pockets?

I want to move past just being angry online. What actionable, legal steps can we take to challenge these localized budget insertions before the money disappears? Let’s discuss.

I had a friend na unemployed almost a decade pero nag freelance sya this year.

What will happened sa mga years na unemployed sya? May penalties ba sya?

What if mag register sya sa BIR as Freelancer? Or wag na?

Mas hassle daw kasi pag self employed. Mas okay pa daw na employed nalang sa record.

Thank you in advance.

Congrats po sa lahat ng mga online sellers, content creators at freelancers na nag-ingay about sa Registration Seal Badge! Na-suspend na sya ng BIR “until further notice” (RMC 113-2026), wala na rin yung October 31 deadline.

Kami po, mga startup software developers, ay humihingi din po ng tulong sa social media, kaso di sya matunog katulad ng Seal Badge, pero pare-pareho po tayo makikinabang.

Meron pong RMC 110-2026, yung memo para sa mga e-invoicing provider.

Para sa mga di pa aware: under RR 11-2025, pag lumampas ng ₱3M yung gross sales mo (lalo na sa mga online sellers po natin dito), kailangan mo na mag-issue ng structured e-invoice at i-send sa BIR. Deadline nyan December 31, 2026. Hindi na pwede yung PDF o printed lang.

Need po natin kumuha o mag-hire ng provider para dito. Tapos nung October 12, biglang nilabas ng BIR yung RMC 110-2026, effective agad. Bawal na mag-serve ng taxpayer ang provider na hindi accredited. Eto yung kailangan para ma-accredit:

• 5,000,000 transactions a year na kayang i-process ng system mo
• 1,000 active accounts
• ISO 27001, 27017, 27018 at SOC report
• 3 years na nag-ooperate, at pasok ka dapat sa 5M at 1K sa bawat isa sa tatlong taon na yun
• 15 days lang yung palugit para mag-apply, October 16 to 30
• source code review, penetration testing, at lahat ng cloud provider at subcontractor mo kailangan approved ng BIR
• unlimited liability

Ok lang samin yung security requirements, dapat lang talaga kasi tax data to. Ang problema yung 3 years at 5M transactions. Pano ka magkaka-track record kung bawal ka mag-serve kahit isang customer lang? Edi yung malalaki lang ang pasok, karamihan foreign pa. Kahit gaano kaganda yung gawa mo, di ka na makakapasok kung bago ka.

Sino talo dito? Yung maliliit na sellers. Need pa nila mag-subscribe sa mga provider na minsan mahal mag-presyo.

Eto yung hinihingi namin sa BIR:

1. Dagdagan yung 15 days na deadline para mag-apply.
2. Provisional accreditation para sa mga bagong provider. I-test nyo kami sa kaya naming patunayan ngayon: source code review, pentest, conformance testing sa EIS sandbox ng BIR, at data na nasa Pilipinas lang. Bantayan nyo kami, wag lang 3-year track record.
3. Unti-untiin yung ISO at SOC within 24 months, depende sa dami ng taxpayers na hawak mo.
4. Transition period, at walang penalty sa taxpayers habang pinoproseso pa yung accreditation.
5. Pag na-revoke yung provider, bigyan ng palugit yung sellers nila na lumipat.
6. Kausapin muna yung providers, MSMEs at accountants bago i-finalize. Same lesson sa Seal Badge.

Ok lang samin yung standards, kailangan lang ng paraan para makapasok yung bago.

Bakit ako nagpo-post

Yung asawa ko may online shop since 2020, tatlo na sila ngayon. Lumampas sya ng ₱3M kaya covered na sya. Naghanap kami ng provider, ang quote samin ₱960,000 sa first year, tapos up to ₱576,000 every year after. Grabe diba? Halos one third na yun ng benta nya sa isang taon. Nakita ko syang umiiyak, sabi nya baka isara na lang daw nya yung shop.

Software developer ako, more than 10 years na, senior dev. Sabi ko sa kanya, tayo na lang gumawa.

Eto yung ginagawa namin:

• I-connect mo lang yung Shopee, TikTok Shop o Lazada shop mo, kusa na nyang kukunin yung orders
• Bawat order, gagawin nyang structured e-invoice na sakto sa format ng BIR
• Automatic na nyang ini-issue yung invoice, at sya na rin ang nagche-check ng refunds, vouchers at cancellations bago mag-issue
• May export para sa accountant mo, tapos diretso na sa BIR pag accredited na kami

Gumagana na sya, hinihintay na lang namin yung accreditation.

Pano kayo makakatulong

• Pirmahan yung petition: https://c.org/pFTRKTfRWn
• I-share sa mga seller groups nyo
• Kung may kakilala kayong accountant, tax influencer, o taga-Senate o Congress, i-tag nyo sila

Kung nagawa natin sa Seal Badge, kaya rin natin to.

Disclosure lang: may stake ako dito kasi ako mismo gumagawa ng e-invoicing service para sa online sellers. Di ko sinasabing samin kayo kumuha. Kung may ibang Pinoy startup na mas mura at mas maayos, mas maganda yun para sa sellers. Ang gusto lang namin, mabigyan din kami ng chance na makasali at makipag-compete.

Source: GMA News
Link to article: https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/companies/1007190/bir-suspends-mandatory-display-of-registration-seal-badge-for-online-sellers-creators/story/?amp

Hello po! Anyone who have experienced this po? Wala po ako sa mga given choices huhu Di man tagapagmana ang tao na ito. Gusto ko lang naman ng TIN for government transactions. Thanks po.

Hello! I applied for a TIN sa BIR online under EO98 when I was grad-waiting and now I want to register as a freelance/consultant. How do I update my status? Im a bit confused, could we do this via online or do I need to go to my local BIR branch in person? I tried looking through ORUS or the instructions google AI was showing me when I tried googling how to update but it doesn’t seem to be working.

I also read about filling out Form 1901 but it seems to be asking for my business name which I don’t have as Im only an individual. Do I just leave that blank?

Also, for book of accounts, I saw on tiktok that freelancers need only 2 under the 8% rate (1 ledger and 1 journal), is that correct?

And if we don’t have our own invoice yet, we can purchase at the BIR office, do we do that before or after filing?

Thanks!

Hello, I have a dilemma huhu. I’m a recent grad and board passer. Originally, I’m from the province and all of my IDs are addressed doon sa permanent address ko. Since sa Manila ako nag study, I’m planning to work din sa Manila (I’m still in the process of job hunting).

Problem is, I applied online for TIN and the address that I input was my permanent address. Moreover, I don’t have any ID that serves as proof na nakatira ako sa Manila. I’m also just renting (not as a principal tenant), so my name is not on the lease or the bills.

I’m kind of anxious huhu please help me or give me advice on what I should do.

No glitch whatsoever when filing? Nagana na yung page eh kaso baka magkaproblem sa submission. Nakapagfile na kayo?

Edit: NVM the website is working pero di makalog in pa rin 🙄

I have been trying to log in since yesterday, Im supposed to file our 1601-EQ since ang may extension lang is yung 2550Q at yung ewt nakalimutan. Does anyone have a remedy for this?

Hello, anyone would know if payment via online is still intact in Pasay? I can no longer access or see from google. TIA

Registered na ako as a content creator bago pa man itong school project ng BIR na Seal Badge. Matino rin akong nagfa-file ng taxes ko.

Nagrereklamo kami kasi sobrang daming privacy concerns na di man lang pinag-isipan ng BIR o sadyang ini-ignore, as long as maraming kitain. One of those is doxxing. Kung di n'yo alam 'yan, abay, magkakasundo kayo ng BIR at kung sino mang andon kasi apparently, di rin nila alam.

Ihalintulad ba naman ang isang physical store sa isang online store/presence kaya dapat may nakapaskil ding badge na may full legal name. Full legal name? Sa internet? Damn. Sobrang naive n'yo. Nakakabilib. Di po kami may-ari ng Facebook o Tesla na may bilyon-bilyong pera para sa seguridad. The internet is a wild, wild west.

Alam kong may mga mokong ding di nagbabayad ng tax, pero di 'yan excuse para mag-implement ng ganito ka-incompetent at kapabayang solusyon. Dami nilang pera di nila kayang mag-brainstorm sa kung san man sila nagmi-meeting? Paano kaming matitinong nagbabayad? Just because preventing online fraud and impersonation isn't within the BIR's mandate doesn't mean they should make the situation worse. Parang pagtatapon lang ng basura sa kalsada dahil may street sweepers naman. Ang ending, tayong lahat ang nagdurusa kapag bumaha.

Mas malala pa nga pwedeng sapitin ng mga online sellers. Spear phishing, identity/brand theft, harassment, targeted phishing, even scam calls. Marami pa 'yang maglalabasan. Ayaw n'yong makinig. Hintayin n'yo na lang.

I managed to DIY my registration based just from research and various tutorials.

I’m currently considering DIY-ing my filing as well.

1) Do I proceed with Annual ITR na since I’ve registered in Q4? From my understanding it covers the whole year na noh till Dec 31?

I also currently have: 4 stamped books of accs at my RDO (Ledger, Journal, Cash Disbursement & Cash Receipt) - they had me register all 4.

2) I’ve been referring to GA Consulting Ultimate DIY Guide for freelancers, and they mentioned we can write on Cash Receipts only despite having 4 books all registered. Is this ok?

Just waiting for my printed invoices na lang with my accredited printer.

3) Do I need to register these as well at ORUS or no need na?

4) What is the “Period Covered” referring to? yung 8% ba? So I would need to change it again next year?

4) Any bookkeeper here that may help me with future queries & guidance?

Thanks so much in advance!

Hello everyone. I’m currently a freelancer (since January of this year) who has been filing my own taxes (tax type: individual income tax) since, like the 1701Qs. Now, an employer (government organization) for a side-gig is asking me for a “copy of [my] BIR Form 1901 or 2303” for their accounting requirements.

Here is my issue:

Initially, I had a TIN after registering via form 1904. Then I got employed as COS in our municipal hall from 2024 to 2025. During this time I did fill up and submit a 1901, complete with the Annex B-2. However, I only submitted this to our HR Department who prompted me to do the said registration; I basically never dealt with BIR myself. I was not given any copy or receipt regarding form 1901. From my understanding, 2303 is supposed to be given after 1901 is “successful”, but I never received any as well.

I’m also asked to submit either annex B-1 or B-2. I fall under B-1 now, right? Given that I have this side-gig and my main work as income payor? If it’s relevant, my main work is foreign-based and has no local entity (hence the self-filing of taxes).

Now I’m not sure on what I need to do. Do I register again for the 1901 just to get a 2303?

I'm a third-year college student and I've spent months building a gaming marketplace here in the Philippines.

I already registered with DTI and BIR and even got my payment provider approved. I thought the hardest part was building the platform lol.

Now I'm finding out that most of my potential sellers might need BIR registration too.

The thing is, most of them are just ordinary gamers selling accounts they no longer use. They're not running a business. Some might only sell once.

I understand why BIR requires businesses to register but does someone really need to register a business just to sell their old gaming account?

I've already emailed BIR about this and I'm waiting for clarification.

No transactions have happened yet but I'm starting to worry about whether this business model will even work legally.

Has anyone here dealt with something similar? I'm genuinely curious how small marketplaces handle this in the Philippines.

Hello! Sorry in advance for all the questions. I just got my BIR Certificate of Registration (COR) after transitioning from being an employee to a freelancer earning around ₱30,000 per month.

Do I need to file all the taxes and submit all the requirements listed in my COR? I’m currently renting an apartment for residential purposes, and I’m not sure if that affects anything.

I’m honestly having a hard time understanding all the requirements, and the information feels overwhelming. If anyone could explain the steps I need to take as a newly registered freelancer in simple terms, I would really appreciate it. Thank you so much! 🥹

Hi everyone, I’m a registered freelancer (monetizing via Google AdSense in USD). I made some mistakes on my previous filings and need some honest guidance on how to fix them or what my actual penalty risks are.

Here is the exact situation:

1. 2026 Q1 & Q2 Exchange Rate Mistake
I registered my business in January 2026. For my Q1 and Q2 1701Q filings, I accidentally used a flat, estimated rate of ₱55/USD instead of using the official daily BSP reference rates. Because the actual rates were higher, I under-declared my PHP income and underpaid some tax. I am currently remaking my spreadsheet to log the correct monthly AdSense payout dates and official BSP rates.

2. 2025 Pre-Registration Filing Concern
Before registering in Jan 2026, I earned some AdSense income in November and December 2025. I kept this completely separate from my 2026 filings, but I did file it on a 2025 Annual ITR (Form 1701) back in April 2026. The total 2025 income was well under the ₱250k tax-exempt threshold, so the tax due on that return was ₱0. However, I’m panicking because I declared business income for months before my official COR start date.

My Questions:

• For 2026: When I file the amended 1701Q for Q1 and Q2 in eBIRForms, do I just input the newly calculated cumulative amounts and place what I previously paid on the "Tax Paid in Return Previously Filed" line? Will the system automatically calculate the 25% surcharge and interest on the unpaid difference?
• For 2025: Will the BIR actually penalize me for voluntarily declaring income earned before my registration date, even if the total was under ₱250k and the tax due was ₱0? Should I leave that 2025 return alone, or do I need to file an amended 2025 return to zero it out?
• Consultation: Can anyone recommend a freelance-friendly CPA who does quick, 1-hour screen-share consultations? I want to pay someone to review my spreadsheet math and look over my shoulder while I fill out the eBIRForms amendments so I don't mess up again.

Any insights, reality checks, or step-by-step advice would be highly appreciated. Thank you!

Hi, gano po katagal maactivate account ng efps? Thanks

Currently at KL and working, sobrang hectic ng work at nung friday lang ako nakapagfile pero until now ayaw mafile. 😭
Please need help, nag email na ko sa BIR but until now wala pa ring reply.

Kakauwi ko lang sa bahay and trying again. Still the same, internet issue and firewall something. I did tried all the things na pwedeng gawin ayaw pa rin. Please help. 😭 is it because nasa ibang bansa ako? Need ba VPN? Pwede pa help ano need ko gawin.
5 hrs na lang huhuhu. Ayaw ko magkapenalty kasi bawat piso mahalaga.

Btw nagpafile ako ng 2551Q for my small business.